Dear Editor,
It may only be my opinion, but I am appalled at the lack of fiscal responsibility exhibited by Okotoks council in its recent decision to proceed with an outdoor skating rink at John Paull II school in Cimarron.
The fact this project will now cost twice as much should have been enough for council to unanimously cancel the project. Yet only one council member said what needed to be said and that this project isn't a priority right now.
In this time of unprecedented costs for necessities such as housing, food and fuel, our council believes the people can afford to spend our tax dollars so frivolously. There is uncertainty as the families and businesses who call Okotoks home struggle with costs, and I know my future does not need another
rink.
One million dollars is a lot of money and if council insists it be spent, why not make a greater impact on the community by offering a subsidy to charities, and pensioners or small businesses for Town of Okotoks utilities. Or while I reduce my household budget, the Town of Okotoks revisits its budget and not spend these funds to help hold the status quo on taxes for this year. There are many possibilities to help that have been ignored.
I would be remiss if I didn’t remind Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division that it once had the courtesy to ask its neighbours a few years ago if we wished a temporary winter skating rink to be located on this school property. Neighbors voted against the rink to be built.
I don’t remember being asked this time around how I would feel about this project in my neighbourhood and therein lies the problem. We have forgotten to be mindful of the quiet enjoyment rights of each resident in Okotoks and understand how the decisions made affect our neighbours.
Respectfully Okotoks council, do the right thing and go back and cancel this project.
Nancy Nelles
Okotoks
